Explore the relationship between Punjabi folk music and hip-hop at VIBC&#039;s Folk Lok

Folk Lok is a new multimedia performance exploring the relationships between Punjabi Folk Music and Hip-Hop Culture. Translating to “Folk People,” it is a moving experience that takes viewers on a journey from San Francisco, California to Punjab, India through a riveting “live documentary musical performance” – and Friday, May 29 at John Fluevog Shoes in Gastown will be the Canadian premiere of this showcase as part of the Vancouver International Bhangra Celebration.

Folk Lok is presented by international recording artist Seti X and Punjabi Folk Legend, Ustad Lal Singh Bhatti, also known as the, “Godfather of the Dhol.” This intergenerational, cross-cultural piece will examine and detail the human expressions of Folk Culture and Hip-Hop through film and a live musical performance.

Ustad Lal Singh Bhatti has been creating musical masterpieces for more than 43 years, and has toured the world performing for all types of audiences. He is also a teacher of dhol, vocals, harmonium, table, dance and dholak. Seti X utilizes film and music as mediums to create change, with a specific focus on hip-hop. His primary focus is to educate youth about the world in which we live in, to resonate ancient culture within them.

Amongst a growingly diverse international soundscape, Folk Lok acknowledges that
folk culture and music are subject to change. That change may occur in style,
technique and presentation; yet the essence of folk remains steadfast and true to
origin. The stories of Punjabi ancestors, molded with experiences of first generation
immigrants has lead to a hybrid culture that allows the navigation between bordersand genres.

About VIBC

Vancouver International Bhangra Celebration produces a wide-range of events with the objective of increasing community engagement, artistic innovation and education. Through the joy of bhangra, we help build bridges and find inroads to establish new relationships across genres of performance and ethno-cultural boundaries.

VIBC accomplishes this by producing the 10-day City of Bhangra Festival in unique venues across Vancouver and Surrey, and by producing meaningful events throughout the year. We engage with communities, organizations, and artists year-round to help spread the art of bhangra.